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Have you ever been asked the question of “what are your hopes and dreams for the future?” Growing up, I always loved that question because it felt like getting permission to dream really big in that moment without any limitations and worries.
At Friends of the Children-Boston, we were given the opportunity recently to ponder that question when we received a call letting us know that philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has chosen Friends-Boston as the recipient of a $2.4 million gift. This is part of a series of gifts made to 12 chapters and the national organization Friends of the Children totaling $44 million. The vote of confidence from MacKenzie Scott and her giving team is a strong validation of the power of our work and the resilience and promise of our community. Needless to say, we were thrilled and honored!
After we let the incredible news settle in, we asked ourselves the big question: What does this catalytic gift mean to the hopes and dreams of our Achievers, our community, and the 12-and-a-half-year commitment we make to each and every one of our young people? At this pivotal moment, her investment means that we can accelerate the plans we have for the next five years:
Doubling the number of youth served;
Expanding our reach and impact locally and regionally;
Deepening our work in supporting the whole family;
Expanding access to mental health and education supports;
and Investing in internal capacity and taking care of our staff who selflessly show up each day for our young people and their families.
It means our Achievers have the best shot at realizing all of their hopes and dreams – however big they are!
This is a moment of celebration for all of the possibilities that are ahead of us. It is also a moment of gratitude to everyone in our community who always believe in our youth. You have shown up for us over the last 18 years, and we wouldn’t be here without you. We are looking forward to partnering with you in the years to come to dream big together on behalf of our young people.
Find out more about MacKenzie Scott’s gift to Friends-Boston here.
With gratitude,
Yi-Chin Chen
Executive Director
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